Tuesday, September 13, 2011

When doubt gets you down...

Last week I talked about what agents are buying. The more I thought about the post, the more I realized with all the ‘we’re looking for’ in the agent world it’s easy to get down. As writers part of the job description is doubt. There are several points in my writing that I have a moment of weakness.
It is then I call my go to buddies – You know who you are.

1. Watch a good chick flick (if you’re male or just don’t like chick flicks seek alternative movie option): I normally go with heartfelt and warming and lovey dovey (cuz that’s my thing). It always puts me in a good place.

2. Bubble baths (If you’re male or hate baths – what’s wrong with you?): I love the scent of lavender, oh so soothing, and relaxing. It allows me to clear my head of negativity.

3. Writing prompts: When I’m feeling down these normally blow… BUT… it helps gain my life back. I’ve written something along the lines of – what does an apple feel when left in the basket on the kitchen counter. I start off saying “what the hell” and end with something silly creative. Gets the juices flowing.

4. Ask for positive feedback: I’m a sucker. When in need I ask my hubby, friend, cat (meowing counts), or blog buddy to share something positive about me. Yes, it sounds conceded (make sure it’s about writing) but it’s that go to letter that brightens your day on the bluest of days (Sarah Pearson is my fabulous letter).

5. Remember why you write: You write because you love. Even if you’re at the querying stage and nothing is going write NEVER GIVE UP. Writers don’t say it to keep you going; they say it because it’s true. Keep writing you’re good at it because you’re hardworking and love it. Each word allows improvement.

When in doubt I read or watch a lovey dovey chick flick like you. I would like to take a bubble bath but oddly enough my hubby is always taking them since we moved into this old house with a clawfoot bath tub. The weirdo, doesn't he know that it's for me?

Doubt is a constant companion on this journey. Sometimes it helps to personify him as a curmudgeounly grampa and have hilarious conversations. That seems to cut him down to size. Gooey chick-flicks definitely send him packing.

When I feel doubtful in writing, I remember to "write what I know". Especially when there is one WIP that is especially near and dear to your. OK Go's 'This Too Shall Pass' is an awesome song/video. Their videos always inspire/cheer me right up. Good luck Jen!

I'm liking all of your suggestions. I do the happy chick flick. Grab some chocolate peanut butter ice cream and enjoy myself. I always love the warm bath with lavender and candle light. (Yep, even by myself.) Then I just say the hell with the world, I'm going to write! And I get back on the band wagon!

I grab a bag of doritos and remind myself of how far I've already come. Sometimes, when I get an extremely positive edit back from a CP, I reread that just to remind myself that my book doesn't suck. Querying stinks, but I'll make it through :)

Doubt! We all experience it, don't we. This sounds ridiculous and sexist but I swear my downest doubt times are tied to my monthly cycle. Actually, maybe that's how I deal with doubt. I tell myself it's just like cramps and it'll be over in a few days.

Aside from chocolate, I find that when I am in a doubty mood, I psych myself out of it by offering words of encouragement to others. I tend to do this by finding other examples of people who could have given up but didn't. I did a post yesterday about Rallying after Rejection (http://publishness.blogspot.com/2011/09/rally-after-rejection.html). A few commentors mentioned authors who were rejected hundreds of times during the query process before landing their publishing gig. That kind of rejection could definitely cause doubt. This also forces me to look at my situation and see things with the glass half-full and getting fuller slowly...though very, very slowly :-)

I like number 5 the best. :) Particularly since I'm in the midst of writing something that is an odd combo of an element that's not hot right now and another that seems to be hot but will probably burn out by the time I'm finished. Is that going to stop me from continuing to write it? Hell no.

Your writing prompts tip is one I never would've thought of, but I love it! Thanks.

Thanks for stopping by my blog today. :) I love your blog! The background is awesome and your bio made me say, "This chic is cool." Lol! Seriously. Cocktails, cupcakes and lying?? Haha, love it.A good movie/show with a glass of wine and a bowl of popcorn always cheers me up. :) I'm a freak, I don't do baths. I just feel like I'm stewing in my own filth...not to say I'm filthy, I'm not, promise. Lol!Sometimes when I'm feeling bummed and un-motivated I crank up the music, grab the nearest "microphone" and "sing" as loud as I can, dancing liking an idiot required. ;) This cheers me up, gets the blood flowing and releases stress. I highly recommend it. :)

Bubble baths are a must!! Great stress reliever. I rely on my writing partner to keep me motivated to continue. I also find motivating quotes and read them daily. If I never quit, I'll never fail. I love that one.

Bubble bath + nice glass of wine and/or chocolate in front of a "comfort food" movie. So, bubble bath followed by clue and a snickers bar! LOL don't let doubt creep in - it has no place in the house of Jen:)

As someone who teaches writing as well as er writing it, I've noticed that my good students are always always wracked with self-doubt and the talentless ones are always convinced that the publishing world are FOOLS for not noticing their maverick genius. No it has nothing to do with their leaden plotting and one dimensional characterisation! So doubt tends to belong to the talented in my view. And as WB Yeats said: 'The best lack all conviction, the worst are full of a passionate intensity.' xx